BioPark Zoo

(Albuquerque NM)
The BioPark included a zoo, aquarium, botanical gardens, and a train ride between them. You could buy tickets for individual venues, or a combo for all. I felt that seeing the zoo would be enough walking for me. That turned out to be correct, as there were many walkways.

BioPark Zoo – Polar Bear

While they did try making the caged areas natural, the animals were still confined and seemed bored. Many were hiding or sleeping, and some pens or sections were closed-off for one reason or another. Still, as zoos are intended, I got to see lots of critters I might never encounter otherwise.

Colorful Macaw

Maybe a Stork

Piranha Fish

There were lots of wildly colored tropical birds, various fish including piranhas, and a ponderous polar bear. A few momma and baby pairs, like the elephants and hippopotamuses; only a mother could love those faces.

Elephants – Momma & Baby

Hippopotamus

Strange Turtle

Some were strange looking, like the turtle and iguana, and some of the birds. The rhinoceros were huge, and somehow the kangaroos didn’t seem quite the same when laying down. Several cats were mostly resting or sleeping. However, the puma looked majestic.

Iguana

Kangaroos

Puma

I was expecting the Tasmanian Devil to be a ferocious monster. Instead it was a curious little mutt. All of the monkeys were making a racket; except for the stern faced gorilla. Lots of snakes and other reptiles, critters like meerkats, hyenas, giraffes, zebras, camels, and many more were there. Some whose photos didn’t turn out so good, and many more that I just don’t have room to show.

Serious Gorilla

Tasmanian Devil

Rhinoceros

Finally, I got to see the rare Giant Bobcat. It was so large and clever, that they made it participate in the construction of its own cage. It too was sleeping. Anyway, strolling around and seeing a large variety of exotic animals made for an interesting day.

Giant Bobcat

Afterward, I went to nearby Old Town for a late lunch at Garcia’s Kitchen, yum. Then I filled-up Tardis with gas and headed west on I-40 to spend a free overnight at the Route 66 Casino.

Camp: Route 66 Casino – overnight
Scene: Zoo with exotic animals, birds, fish, reptiles